A Master Work: “What A Difference A Day Makes” – Dinah Washington

In the pantheon of American R&B vocals, “What A Difference A Day Makes”stands high on the list of master works with the late Dinah Washington’s1959 Grammy winning version (for Best Rhythm and Blues Performance) being among the finest examples. The song was also Dinah’s first Top Ten hit, reaching #8 on the Billboard charts.

Originally titled “What a Diff’rence a Day Made”, the song was originally written in Spanish by María Grever, a Mexican songwriter, in 1934. It was titled “Cuando Vuelva A Tu Lado” (“When I Return To Your Side”). The song is now typically known in English as “What a Diff’rence a Day Makes”. That missing “E” shows up in most later versions. The English lyrics were written by Stanley Adams, and was played by Harry Roy & his Orchestra. The most successful early recording was back in 1934 by Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey of big-band fame.